10 Facts to Know about Clinical Trials
Clinical trials as well as Paid Medical Trials are an important part of finding and testing new medicines and treatments. trials4us are one company that provide these trials and the resulting data that is needed to help develop new treatments and drugs. Here are 10 facts that you need to know about this vital process.
Purpose
The purpose of conducting clinical trials is to test and develop new treatments for disease. Carefully regulated trials are the best way to establish which new treatments are most suitable for humans.
Participants
The people who take part in clinical trials are volunteers who may, or may not, experience a specific disease or illness which the trial is targeting.
Organisers
Clinical trials are made up of specialist teams of clinical professionals. This includes assistants, researchers, project managers, data managers, nurses, doctors, social workers and the trial sponsor.
Safety
Before a clinical trial can begin, it undergoes rigorous research and development. It needs to be reviewed, authorised and judged as ethical by a regulatory agency.
Phases
There are usually four or five phases within the clinical trial process. As each phase progresses, more people take part in the studies.
Taking Part
You can find out about joining a clinical trial by asking your doctor or a patient organisation. There are also a number of websites that provide information on clinical trial services available.
The Trial
Volunteers are normally divided into two or more randomised groups. One group is the control group and the other is the treatment group. The control group is given the existing treatment or a placebo, and the treatment group is given the new drug. Often, it’s not known who is given what treatment, known as blinding. This makes it more objective.
Payment
According to the NHS some clinical trials offer payment, which can vary depending on what is involved, while others just cover your travel expenses.
Risks
The risks involved with taking part in a clinical trial vary, depending on the phase of the trial and the level of involvement. There may be possible side effects from taking the treatment.
Results
Not all clinical trials are successful. In some cases, the new treatment may be no better, or could even be worse, than the standard treatment. The results are usually published at the end of a trial. If the trial is successful, a treatment needs to be licensed before it can be marketed. Only a few clinical trials reach this stage.